黑洞社区

Movers and Makers

• Manufacturer of energy-efficient insulation solutions Paroc Panel System has tested its panels in FM Approvals鈥� extended test rig, which allows six 1m long panels to be tested. Wall panel assemblies certified by FM Approvals and are designed to be used for exterior construction have been evaluated for fire, wind and hail resistance performance. Two panel types were tested and both passed the three separate test phases. These panels now have FM4881 approval, according to the approval standard for AST E Exterior Wall Panels.
  
• Terravesta, a grower of miscanthus in the UK, is working with Aberystwyth University to search for an investor to build the first miscanthus house or commercial building. Miscanthus (or silvergrass) is a carbon positive renewable energy crop that鈥檚 grown on around 8,000 hectares of UK low grade marginal land. It satisfies building regulations in the UK with regards to their structural capability as building blocks, and insulation value. It is possible to build loadbearing miscanthus walls using the traditional straw bale building method and to use internal clay plaster and external render.
  
• Kawneer has become the first supplier of architectural aluminium products to achieve BES 6001, the framework standard for the responsible sourcing of construction products. BES 6001 is recognised in the sustainability rating schemes for buildings (BREEAM) and infrastructure (CEEQUAL). The scheme provides manufacturers with a way to assess and certify their products as being responsibly sourced. Kawneer was assessed for organisational management, supply chain management and environmental and social issues, and received an overall 鈥淕ood鈥�.
  
• Armstrong Ceilings has recycled 14,769m² of ceiling tiles at the Farnborough International Airshow. The company used its Off-Cut scheme for the first time this year, as well as its End-Of-Life scheme, which the company claims saved more than 73 tonnes of virgin raw material, 20,000kWh energy, 36,000 CO2 equivalent greenhouse gasses and 251,000 litres of potable water.
  

Performance calculator
Guardian Glass has launched a digital tool to help specifiers choose their glazing products. The Performance Calculator calculates the light and energy performance of any Guardian glass, either used as a single sheet or any combination of type and thickness for double and triple insulating glass units. It has been certified by notified body KIWA for the correctness of the calculation according to EN410 and EN673. The calculations can be saved as PDFs and shared with other members of the project team.
Guardian Glass

Design guide
Flat roof manufacturer Bauder has launched a guide aimed at designers who are considering the inclusion of a photovoltaic array on new build flat roof construction projects. The guide outlines the most important elements to be aware of, to ensure designs are sustainable, protect the building and meet lifespan expectations. The guide also gives equal focus to energy efficiency specifications and installation methods that maximise the lifespan of the products.
Bauder

OSB panels
Timber supplier Medite Smartply has updated its Oriented Strand Board (OSB) panel range. The new offering is manufactured from an Irish sustainable forest resource, giving it a lower carbon footprint. The flatter and smoother consistency of the board is the result of raw materials being transported via conveyor belt between precision milled rollers and guides. The technology also allows for instantaneous adjustment to lengths and widths.
Medite Smartply

Fibre board
British Gypsum鈥檚 Rigidur H gypsum fibre board has been specified for the front face board of Matilda鈥檚 Blanket, an internal wall insulation system designed by Welsh solar energy equipment supplier Matilda鈥檚 Planet. The new insulation system aims to improve energy efficiency in homes and is custom built for each project. The product was chosen because it has a durable finish that does not require plastering or wet trades. British Gypsum鈥檚 Glasroc F Multiboard and Gyproc ThermaLine PIR were also specified for other parts of the insulation system.
British Gypsum

Timber box sash windows
Sash windows from the timber box range of Essex-based refurbishment specialist Mumford & Wood Conservation have been specified for the restoration of an Edwardian Baroque grade II listed building in north London. The products were chosen to create a sustainable solution to providing warmth, comfort and security for the building. The windows meet Secured by Design standards to PAS 24 certification, and have a lifecycle of up to 65 years.
Mumford & Wood

Ground source heat pump
Kensa鈥檚 20kW Twin Compact ground source heat pump has been installed in a 550m虏 new build eco home in east London. The product was chosen as a sustainable and efficient source of heating and hot water which would be eligible for the domestic renewable heat incentive. Solar thermal technology provides additional hot water for the home and the pump displays consumption and controls on a smart energy meter.
Kensa